MELBOURNE hopes to continue its pre-season training camps in Darwin after completing a successful nine days based at Robertson's Army Barracks.

The football department was rapt with the co-operation of the army and the government in accommodating the Demons, as well as the training resources available at the barracks.

The club was also encouraged by the players' response in the heat and humidity and the ability to maintain their program throughout the stay.

As the players went through a final pool session under the direction of an army representative, Neeld told AFL.com.au the trip had met its objectives.

He said the club's ability to completely transport the training program from Melbourne to the different conditions in Darwin – one of its stated objectives – was due to what was on offer at the Barracks.

"This facility has got everything that you would want for an elite training facility," Neeld said. "We have been rapt."

The barracks had a pool, a weights room, a cardio training area, a basketball court that doubled as a physio room and a mess hall all within 100 metres of where the players slept. There players also used several football ovals to engage in walk-throughs in the evening and a short training session one morning.

The club hopes such camps might become just one component of its presence in the region, as it enters negotiations around eventually playing two premiership matches and a pre-season game in Darwin.

It will continue to explore the possibility of that happening in discussions with the AFL, the Northern Territory Government and other relevant parties.

Enthused about the prospect of establishing deeper links with the Northern Territory Government, AFLNT and a range of community programs, representatives of the club - including CEO Cameron Schwab and Neeld - met with the Northern Territory chief minister, Terry Mills on Monday.

Their discussions occurred soon after Melbourne had conducted a clinic at TIO Stadium that promoted a program encouraging trachoma prevention. The club also held a smaller clinic in Jabiru on Wednesday afternoon and is involved in literacy programs in the area.

It is also planning to lend its expertise and assistance where it can in the development of the Michael Long NT Thunder Learning and Leadership centre due for completion towards the end of 2013.  

Genuine involvement in such community programs is critical to the link with the Northern Territory and Neeld is a strong supporter of the club's potential involvement in community initiatives in the Top End.

"From a whole club point of view we see opportunities to further engage with the community," Neeld said.

"We see that as really important. We are also in negotiations with NT Government about continuing our involvement and stepping up our presence here."